During the span of only a few decades, in the early sixth century before the Common Era, the Jews returning from Persian exile (in the wake of the generous edict of the emperor Cyrus) accomplish some remarkable things, including the rebuilding of their holy temple, on the ruins of the old, and erecting a new set of walls for Jerusalem’s protection and defense. A series of “later prophets” – including Haggai, Zechariah, Joel and Malachi – encourage them in these formidable tasks, though many modern scholars tend to shun them, as being too focused on Israel alone and the “Jewish particular.” Still, the prophets of these days are unsurpassed “motivational speakers,” who focus the people’s energy, not on Solomon-like grandiosity but on a national symbol and “community center,” supported by the tithes and voluntary contributions of the local citizenry.
